Yesterday I spent an absolutely gorgeous spring Saturday in New York City. Several of the Dream Team Auction Committee members celebrate birthdays in the months of April and May (not me, I’m a July baby, but I’m the “local” of the bunch), and what is becoming an annual tradition, as many of us as possible meet up in the Big Apple for a day of fun and friendship, including of course a visit to the NYC World of Disney store. It is also a perfect excuse for some auction shopping!
World of Disney NYC is similar to the WoD stores you find in Downtown Disney at both WDW and Disneyland Resort, in that it is large and carries merchandise with the Walt Disney Parks logos. The New York City store also has a selection of merchandise unique to the Big Apple, including characters in distinctly NYC costumes like Mickey as a NYPD officer, Minnie as the Statue of Liberty, Goofy as a taxi cab driver, and Donald as a NY Firefighter.
The store is one of the few places outside of the Resorts that you can buy CDs of park music, official Disney pins, and all those souvenirs with “Walt Disney World” on them. They have a build-you-own Mr. Potato Head station, complete with the Disney exclusive pieces and even some special NYC pieces.
Amanda, Tracy, April & I saw plenty of merchandise that would have been great additions to the auction, especially in the Art of Disney gallery on the third floor. Unfortunately, these fabulous pieces were just a bit out of budget - even with the Annual Passholder discount! - but that didn’t stop us from wishing!
How 'bout this one? Just $395.00
Tracy was particularly fond of a dramatic portrait of her favorite Captain Jack Sparrow. At $695, it was a bit too large to carry back on the subway. Fortunately, the cast member on duty didn’t see the lip prints.
The 3-story store also has a “friendship room” where you can meet & greet Disney characters - complete with a PhotoPass photographer on hand! The characters appearing there change frequently, and on this visit we saw Alice and the Queen of Hearts. Cinderella was also available for a special meet & greet later in the day. Alice was delightful and invited us to join her for a spot of tea.
Tracy, Alice, April, and me (Amanda is a bit camera-shy, so all you can see of her is her red Mickey Croc)
We did bring back a nice assortment of World of Disney NYC logo merchandise for a theme basket, so look for it at the auction!
For more info on the World of Disney NYC store, visit WorldofDisney.com
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